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Kona 14
Designer: Lyle Hess  ·  Builder: Fiberform  ·  First built: 1971
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About the Kona 14

Originally designed as a small trailerable sailboat, this compact craft represents an accessible entry point into sailing for newcomers and a practical option for experienced sailors seeking simplicity. Despite limited documentation available today, the Kona 14's basic design philosophy centers on straightforward sailing without unnecessary complexity. Built for protected waters and light coastal conditions, this boat suits recreational day sailing, sailing instruction, and casual family outings. Its trailerable size makes it appealing to sailors without permanent marina access or those wanting to explore different sailing venues. The design emphasizes ease of handling over performance, making it particularly appropriate for learning fundamental sailing skills. While not intended for serious racing or offshore adventures, the Kona 14 fills a specific niche in the small boat market. Its modest proportions suggest a focus on affordability and practicality rather than cutting-edge design or exceptional speed. The boat's straightforward approach to construction and rigging reflects the era's emphasis on getting people on the water without intimidating complexity. For sailors seeking an uncomplicated sailing experience or those introducing family members to the sport, this design offers the fundamental pleasure of wind-powered sailing in a manageable, budget-conscious package.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 14.08 ft / 4.29 m
Beam 6.58 ft / 2.01 m
Max Draft 0.67 ft / 0.20 m
Displacement 150.00 lb / 68 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 120.00 ft² / 11.15 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Catamaran (no boards/asym.)
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Lyle Hess
Builder Fiberform
First Built 1971
Related Sailboats Hobie 14 · Windrush 14 · Hobie 35 · Mystere 43 · Trac 14
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
68.05
How It Compares

vs. Hobie 14, Hobie 35, Mystere 43, Trac 14, Windrush 14

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Kona 14 ★
14.1 ft
Hobie 14
14.0 ft
Hobie 35
14.0 ft
Mystere 43
14.1 ft
Trac 14
14.1 ft
Windrush 14
14.1 ft
Beam
Kona 14 ★
6.6 ft
Hobie 14
7.7 ft
Hobie 35
6.0 ft
Mystere 43
5.0 ft
Trac 14
7.5 ft
Windrush 14
7.5 ft
Displacement
Kona 14 ★
150 lbs
Hobie 14
240 lbs
Hobie 35
230 lbs
Mystere 43
220 lbs
Trac 14
195 lbs
Windrush 14
170 lbs
Sail Area
Kona 14 ★
120 sq ft
Hobie 14
118 sq ft
Hobie 35
90 sq ft
Mystere 43
269 sq ft
Trac 14
148 sq ft
Windrush 14
150 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Kona 14 ★
68.1
Hobie 14
48.9
Hobie 35
38.4
Mystere 43
118.2
Trac 14
Windrush 14
78.3
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Kona 14 ★
Hobie 14
2.0
Hobie 35
2.6
Mystere 43
Trac 14
1.6
Windrush 14
1.4
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Kona 14 ★
Hobie 14
4.94
Hobie 35
3.92
Mystere 43
Trac 14
5.18
Windrush 14
5.42
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Kona 14 ★
Hobie 14
63
Hobie 35
60
Mystere 43
Trac 14
50
Windrush 14
44
Hull Speed
Kona 14 ★
Hobie 14
4.6 kts
Hobie 35
4.6 kts
Mystere 43
Trac 14
4.6 kts
Windrush 14
4.6 kts
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